Conservatives In The 1980's

For many Americans, the economic, social and political trends of the 60s and 70s ranging from crime and racial polarization in many urban centers, to the economic downturn and inflation of the Carter years created a mood of disillusionment. It also helped solidify the suspicion of government and its ability to deal effectively with the country’s deep-rooted social and political problems. Conservatives having the minority power at the national level were well positioned to take advantage of the new mood the nation had. Americans at this time were receptive to the Conservative outlook of limited government control, strong national defense and the protection of traditional values against what were seen as the impediments of a permissive and often chaotic modern society.

One of the most controversial topics for conservatives was of great emotion and diversification among those who spoke of it, abortion. Opposition to the Supreme Court decision of the Roe v. Wade case, which upheld a woman’s right to have an abortion in the early months of pregnancy, brought together a vast gathering of individuals and different organizations. They were prepared to support any political agenda that agreed with …show more content…
In his first term, Reagan escalated the Cold War with the USSR, making a swift change from the earlier more liberal policy advocated by Presidents Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter. President Reagan’s policy towards the USSR included goals like decreasing Soviet access to high technology and diminishing their resources, increasing American military buildup to strengthen the U.S. negotiating position, and force the Soviets to devote more of their economic resources to defense. The American people were scared of the possible outcome of the Cold War and having a figure head like President Reagan made the citizens more confident in the United States abilities to properly protect